FAQ’s about Alumni Groups (Networks & Chapters)

•  What is the difference between a Network and a Chapter?

Networks – are the SFA Alumni Association’s newest type of alumni group. Networks get together a few times per year to have a social or service event in effort to further good will and assist in building relationships between former SFA students. Network event planning and hosting is coordinated directly from the Alumni Association. 

Chapters – are a carryover from an older alumni group model. Chapters operate as a subset entity of a larger organization and have a more formal operating structure. They operate through an elected set of officers and hold meetings. There are only a couple of SFAAA chapters that continue to operate in this format.  

• What is the difference between a Regional Chapter and a Special Interest Chapter?

Regional alumni groups are broken down into geographic regions where concentrations of alumni live. Our three largest regions are East Texas (within 60 miles of Nacogdoches), Greater Houston Area and the Dallas / Fort Worth Metroplex.  Special Interest groups include groups or organizations where there is an affinity based relationship from the alumni with the organization or group. Examples of Special Interest groups are academic, religious, cultural, fraternities/sororities, athletic, etc.

•  How do I get involved with one of these alumni groups?

SFA Alumni Groups are the perfect way to connect to SFA in your part of the world. Since the Alumni Association began its network/chapter program, alumni and friends in Texas and across the country have joined together to show their Purple Pride in their own communities. New networks are emerging, as our office is continually working on cultivating new groups in areas of high numbers of SFA alumni. *Chances are that you have a fellow Lumberjack living in your neighborhood, perhaps even on your street. 

Each group has its own character, but they all connect alumni to Stephen F. Austin State University. These groups host happy hours, game-watch parties, cultivate relationships with local students, and provide fellowship and fun for their members.  

If you want to take an active role in planning or participating in local activities, make sure your email is up to date by updating your alumni record. 

• Where can I find upcoming events in my area?

The Alumni Association promotes and publicizes events on our website as well as many social media outlets. The Upcoming Events link (found on the Alumni Association’s homepage) provides the most up to date information with details on all upcoming alumni events.  We also use social media outlets to quickly spread the word about events that are coming up in the near future. Visit and "Like” the Alumni Association’s Facebook page by clicking here. 

SFA Alumni Association can be found on other social media outlets including LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest & YouTube.

• Where can I find a list of all active groups?

For a full list of networks and chapters please visit our "Alumni Chapters” section located in the Chapter and Networks area of our website.

• Do I have to be a member of the Alumni Association to attend group functions?

You do not have to be a member of the SFA Alumni Association to attend alumni group events.  However, if you’d like to re-connect with SFA, you can choose to join as an annual or lifetime member. Membership is a great way to show pride and stay informed about what’s going on at SFA. For more information on membership or to join today, click here.

• What can I expect if I choose to volunteer?

We ask that our volunteers do 3 easy tasks: 1) Uphold the SFA brand, 2) Spread Spirit and Pride of the University, 3) Attend events and encourage others to attend upcoming events in your area.

• How much time will be expected of me as a volunteer?

There is no set amount of required time to contribute as a volunteer. It can be as much or as little as you want to contribute.

• Am I expected to give money as a volunteer?

There are three main ways to contribute to SFA: Time, Talent & Treasure. We’re a non-profit organization that operates through fundraising so we greatly appreciate gifts from our alumni but do not expect volunteers to do so in order to be a part of our organization. We want you to feel a sense of pride about SFA in your community and that is why we host alumni events. The events are to help you cultivate a relationship with the university upon moving away from SFA, as well as make new friends that have the common bond of SFA pride.

• What does the Alumni Association do to help recruit students to SFA?

Although we do not directly recruit for the university, showing your SFA spirit in your community by wearing SFA gear, putting an SFA sticker on your car or an SFA flag in your yard along with talking about the university to others increases SFA visibility and can make a HUGE impact in your community!

If you have any further questions, please contact the SFA Alumni Association at (936) 468-3407.